UC Renames College of Business In Honor of Carl Lindner

The renaming of the College of Business is a fitting tribute to Mr. Lindner because of his support and because of his legacy.  Mr. Lindner’s values, integrity, family focus and incredible history of success are all attributes to which the University and its College of Business aspire. This decision is good for the Lindner family, for the University of Cincinnati, the College of Business and the community.

“We choose to honor Mr. Lindner because of his tremendous and long-standing support of our university, his profound dedication to our community and his legendary success,” said UC President Gregory H. Williams.  “By naming our College of Business in his honor, our university is celebrating an extraordinary man and a truly outstanding business leader.”

“I have been blessed in so many ways in my lifetime, in my faith, with a wonderful family and a fulfilling career. I was incredibly surprised and moved when I heard of this great honor,” said Mr. Lindner.  “It is indeed the culmination of all those things I’ve loved in my life: business, learning and community. UC is an important asset for our city and it has become one of the top universities in America. Many of AFG’s employees and executives are UC Alumni.  I have long been proud of UC’s Carl H. Lindner Honors PLUS Program.  I am equally proud of all students who have attended this fine institution, including many from my family.  Whether Honors or traditional students, many of our most talented business leaders have UC degrees and have succeeded in both the classroom and in the workplace. Importantly, many of these alumni have chosen to enrich our community by living and working here.  I look forward to the College of Business being recognized as one of the premier Business Colleges both nationally and internationally.”

Mr. Lindner, an internationally recognized businessman and philanthropist, began his career with his father, two brothers and sister when they founded United Dairy Farmers in 1940 as a single storefront selling dairy products.  He is also founder and chairman of the board of
American Financial Group, Inc., a diversified financial holding company principally engaged in property and casualty insurance and the sale of retirement annuities and supplemental insurance.  His charitable involvement and business and civic awards are exhaustive.

David Szymanski, dean of the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, said the renaming is an important milestone in the college’s mission to be one of the top business schools in the country.  “We strive for nothing less than excellence, in line with Mr. Lindner’s philosophy.  Seeing his name on our college will motivate our students, faculty and supporters to further greatness.”

The college’s enrollment in Fall 2010 showed more than 2,600 undergraduate and more than 460 graduate students.  U.S. News & World Report ranks the college’s MBA program as one of the top ten in the country for “highest financial value upon graduation.”  U.S. News also ranks the College’s undergraduate program among the top 100.

To further honor Mr. Lindner, a group of the University’s most visionary and generous donors have formed the Friends of Carl H. Lindner, a new society that will lead fundraising efforts for the continuing transformation of the college.  The goal is raise money to recruit and retain top-tier faculty and the best and brightest student leaders, while updating the college’s Carl H. Lindner Hall facility.

“The formation of the Friends group, along with the renaming, represent seminal moments in the history of our college,” said Szymanski.

John Barrett, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cincinnati-based Western & Southern Financial Group, agreed.  “Having a top-notch business school is critical to the continued growth of the Greater Cincinnati region, and having it associated with the Lindner brand is a fantastic step,” said Barrett, a UC alumnus.  “I’m sure business and community leaders will jump at the chance to show their appreciation for all of Mr. Lindner’s business and philanthropic contributions.  This is a great day for our city.”